Ocean City Amateur Golf Association

John Larson surged into the point lead for the season with total domination at White Oaks. He beat second place finisher Michael Lazarchick by 6 strokes, posting the season low Gross Score of 79. With the majority of the Gold Tee Boxes under repair the Seniors were moved up close to the forward tees and John was just too commanding on the shorter course. He took all four Closest to the Pin. He carded 10 Pars and a Birdie. Needless to say the Hofbräuhaus    was delirious with joy. The “free” appetizer of the day, was Kartoffelkäse, made from mashed potatoes, sour cream, onions and spices. Augustiner Lagerbier Hell beer was the special on tap, served cool, but not ice cold like American beer. John bought rounds for all the tour professionals, taking the lion’s share of prize money. During the tournament, “On the Haus” Beer came with every CTP and the Birdie!   

The Polish American Tavern was just as Rowdy as Lazarchick surprised everyone with a sub 90 performance. Zakąski,  plates of hors d’oeuvres all with mouth watering kielbasa, graced the bar. Żywiec lager on tap was the special of the day. Beware of the Injured Player was clearly in play as LZ beat Troy Midgette by five strokes and in fourth, Dave Kissinger by seven. Michael was just trying to keep the ball in play, not over swinging for distance and really not concerned with his score. He lacked distance but sent his drive into the trees only once in 18 holes and was off the fairway in the rough relatively, few times.    Still far from normal competitive energy, he had decent energy going into the final holes, scoring well with a rhythmic slow swing, coupled with exceptional overall putting.      

In the English Pub, Scotch Eggs were being served gratis, both soft and hard-boiled eggs, wrapped in savory sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. Alastair was telling Charles were giddy with Troy Midgette’s performance. Alastair was telling him that spiritually, the name Troy symbolizes resilience, protective strength, and nurturing devotion. When it was clear he has secured third, they started chanting Rookie of the Year. Dave Kissinger moved into second place in overall points with his forth place finish. Jim Cummings was a last minute scratch opening the door. Dave however was in a battle with Keith MacGregor and Eddie Hannan, beating them by lower handicap. Next,    Ed Borillo, Marc Bohan, Phil Stocker and Bill Finger were each separated by a stroke.    Joe Champion struggles to last place with a net over 80.         

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

Joe Champion displayed an excellent and quit clever advertisement for John’s Bargain Store. His Shorts ripped apart on the front nine. Of course, his response was about being able to buy plenty more at $5 a pair!

POINTS: Larson and Kissinger are looking strong towards making the final four. Bohan and Cummings just might be out of reach of the others in the seventies. There are five within striking distance, just a win away?

97 Larson, John
86 Kissinger, Dave
77 Bohan, Marc
77 Cummings, Jim
75 Hannan, Eddie
74 Champion, Joe
71 Finger, Bill
70 Lazarchick,Michael
70 MacGregor, Keith
64 Borillo, Ed
51 Stocker, Phil
50 Swanson, Andy
42 Midgette, Troy
39 Fran Middleman
20 * Antzcak, Rich
20 * Cummings, Susan
11 * Finger, Ruthann

* Non Members

NEXT:            TWISTED DUNE

WEDNESDAY         SEPTEMBER 2nd 9:21

Once again the Hofbräuhaus reverberated excitement. John Larson and Bill Finger were in an epic battle at Running Deer splitting the patrons into two camps. At one point John was six strokes back by handicap. He chipped away and then delivered a late surge. He picked up strokes with pars on thirteen, two on fifteen, and one of sixteen. He matched Birdie with Bill on seventeen, and then cruised in for a two stroke victory.    

In the Irish Pub, OB was talking about Jim Cummings being forced to play with a loaner club. Ruthann borrowed his putter.  However, he did retain his league point lead with a third place finish.   Dave Kissinger and Eddie Hannan remain competitive, finishing 4th and 5th respectively.

One of the fans filmed Joe Champion’s “Best Shot of the Day.” From the Danger Zone to a Gimme, he saved a double bogey. The replay runs every 10 minutes on the Champion Club highlights monitor, continuously sparking rancorous outcries.  

The Polish American Tavern women were swooning with the appearance of Aron Lazarchick on the tee boxes. The son of Michael, he is approximately the same age his father was when he started to play golf seriously. The women shed many tears when they found out Aron is married to the Exotic Czech Beauty Klara, with two young sons. 

Cummings and Larson were the only two able to break 90. Bohan, Champion, Finger, Kissinger, and Michael Lazarchick were in the 90s.  The other half of the field were over 100 in gross scores. It was the most difficult track the tour has encountered this season. 

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

POINTS AFTER RUNNING DEER

Joe Champion of course shattered the glass ceiling when he brought his daughter Stephanie into OCAGA. The men at all the establishments, except the Champion Club, were sure it would degrade play.The chatter was about how a woman could not compete and her significant beauty was clearly distracting. When Stephanie announced her intention to play from the Senior Tees, they were surprised. When she out drove legendary Art Czachorowski, most were dumbfounded. When she won multiple tournaments, the gallery following her expanded, substantially. While Andy Swanson, their dreamboat, brought the girl scouts to the tour, it was Stephanie who showed them women could play with the best and win!     She reached legendary status. In 2026 it is Ruthann Finger and Susan Cummings keeping the scouts engaged along with wishful thinking that Steph might find a way to play in another tournament.    

Marc Bohan opened the tournament Birdie Birdie, much to the chagrin of Jim Cummings who immediately found himself 4 stroke behind in gross score.     Ruthann opened Par Par Par, super charging scout “Ruthann Ruthann” chanting. She captured the early net lead. The Champions Club and Polish American Tavern however, erupted with enthusiasm as Joe and Michael Lazarchick, sporting their highest handicaps in years, entered the battle for the lead. LZ Birdied the 3rd hole dropping a 30 foot putt center cup. Marc would post a low gross 84 and once again Jim would just fall short with an 85. Eddie Hannan’s magic was gone as he labored up to 112. One half the field scored 99 or over 100 on a difficult track. Only the good putters broke 90, Marc, Jim and Michael and they all had their share of makeable near misses.    At the turn Champion had the lead with his handicap tying Cummings at a gross 44. Lazarchick was second with a gross 42 just off Bohan’s blistering pace at 40.  Jim would finish 3rd and take over the point lead for the season. Keith MacGregor  took 4th and Phil Stocker 5th. At Le Petite Café  Pierre was  grumbling about high handicaps, but he knew Marc’s was not going to climb. OB in the Pub explained that Jim’s likely would drop, but Ed Hannan’s would likely climb. 

Joe has only played in OCAGA this season and Michael missed the first tournament and otherwise just has a handful 9 hole league rounds weakened by Chemo and Cancer Fatigue.  Both were playing well, obviously with enough rounds to stabilize their game. When both of them entered the league, natural talent was obvious. Chuck Cole, Lazarchick’s brother in law, boyhood friend of Joe, commented he was always good at all the sports  he played. Lazarchick, was carrying a 24 handicap when he shot a net 2 under to win a round during his first season. It was incredibly exciting watching their Blue Heron duel. Joe had two sixes, a seven and an eight, mitigated by four pars. Michael hit six four times, but sunk his second par five Birdie on the back. He just did not have enough to erase enough strokes. Stanislaw and Kasimir were thrilled with his effort and disappointed that he did not win. The Champion’s Club went ballistic with Joy.    

SCORECARD

SCATS

RESULTS

NEXT:

RUNNING DEER WEDNESDAY JULY 22nd 12 NOON FIRST TEE TIME

Please arrive 1/2 hour before first tee time.

Eddie Hannan shocked the field with a stunning win at The Vineyards. VEGAS could not attract much money even at 100-1 odds. Holding the highest handicap, he beat Marc Bohan’s masterful performance in the low eighties, by three strokes. The investigative reporter has not yet interviewed Hannan to discuss family origins. In the Irish Pub however O’Brien was being bombarded by questions as Eddie neared the finish line. OB said Hannan is primarily Gaelic Irish, anglicized from the Clan Ó hAnnáin.  A shower of Half & Half from quickly raised mugs filled the air. It was O’Hara’s Irish Pale Ale poured on the bottom & Dark Guinness on the top. OB immediately added that ordering by calling it a Black and Tan is considered highly offensive in Ireland because the Black and Tans were a notorious British paramilitary force deployed in 1920 to suppress Irish Independence. 

Eddie shot a net 65 which is seven under par. His handicap will drop. He will not be alone however, with half a field scoring par or better. Marc did take second place and after two, is in first place in overall points. With a net 4 under, 68 he beat William Tobias Finger by lower handicap tiebreaker and In fourth place, beat current Champion, John Larson by just one stroke. The Hofbräuhaus was hopping and boisterous all day. 

Next door the Polish American Tavern was just as loud. Rich Antczak returned from the Arizona tour, greeted by girl scout chants, “Richie Richie, He’s Too Cute!” Rich finished with a net two under par. His drives were sweet, followed by decent approach shots. His pitching and chipping was superb leaving more and more short putts as the tournament unfolded. The Tavern cheered often viewing a nice 5th place finish. Because it was the day before his 6th infusion of Chemotherapy Michael Lazarchick started his 3 days of being on steroids. With only seven rounds of  nine hole Golf all this year, often showing some fatigue on 8 or 9,  no one knew if he could actually play 18 holes.  He showed and was greeted with Community and considerable wishes of Goodwill  from the tour players. Of course the investigative reporter took a survey on the Promenade.The Doctor was rated. as having the healthiest diet and considered least likely to get cancer or a heart attack or autoimmune disease or diabetes.  It was shocking to hear he was diagnosed with the Royal Stage (highest) of metastasized prostate cancer throughout his lymphatic system and Bones and and given maybe 3 months to live by his Oncologist if he did not take chemo. Yet here he was 15 weeks since a PSA number over 2000 was brought down to .4,  getting ready to play the forward tees with Phil Stocker driving. He hit his first drive, with booming draw over the corner of the sand trap, past the others in the foursome. Pierre shook his head mumbling under his breath, “Red Tees and on Drugs!” The Tavern went wild. Lazarchick turned and said, “Watch out for Me!” Phil, Rich and Eddie Borillo responded with verbal Accolade and Claps.  LZ took the front 9 in his group with a gross 46. 

The favorites were in the first group, Marc, Jim, John and Andy. Marc and Andy continue to play from the regulation tees. Both have  driving distance when they connect and the Vineyards is relatively forgiving on the way to the greens. Putting was tricky for  most players. The short  Iron and chipping to within 18 inches was a big help. Everybody wants to beat Marc in gross score head to head. It does not happen often. When Marc floundered to a triple bogey on 16, Jim and John with easy par, actually thought they had a chance. Marc was furious with himself and turned on the focus. He Birdied 17 and 18. Le Petite Cafe customers responded with respectable hand pumps and nodding “Yes” heads, once again witnessing Bohan Golf Swing Poetry. Andy finished 6th with a net two under. Jim took 7th with even par. Fran, also even par was next with a higher handicap. Troy Midgette playing as a guest was net one over par and will be encouraged to join OCAGA. He will get points for the tournament eventually if he does. Ed Borillo and Dave Kissinger rounded out the top ten. While Dave struggled on the back, Eddie rectified a very slow over 50 start, with a blazing hot 43 on the back. 

Keith struggled with putts, Lazarchick got fatigued and had to put his driver in the bag and take out his trusty 2 Wood off the tee. Phil, still struggling with leg and back issues, did not have enough power. Joe Champion just hasn’t played enough this season.

POINTS AFTER TWO

39    Bohan, Marc

37    Borillo, Ed

35    Cummings, Jim

34    Hannan, Eddie

34    Kissinger, Dave

34 Finger, Bill

30    Larson, John

29    Swanson, Andy

28    Fran Middleman

26    Champion, Joe

20    Antczak, Rich

20    MacGregor, Keith

9    Lazarchick,Michael

8    Stocker, Phil

0    Midgette, Troy

0    Cummings, Sue

0    Finger, Ruthann

President John Larson and Bill Finger received a rousing accolade entering the Hofbräuhaus for the fantastic transition of running the league and scheduling with Lazarchick pretty much out of commission. At press time Bill was working on Blue Heron Pines as the next venue the morning of July 1st. 

The President’s message is about Scorecards. There should be two turned in, with the name of the Scorekeeper printed on the card. Birdies and Eagles should be circled. The names and holes where players got sandies (out of the trap, up and down, with two strokes total) and nasties (into the hole from off the green), should be clearly printed on the cards.  CTP (closest to the pin) should only be identified on the cards from the last group. Players should have “paper” available to write down their name and hole, to put a tee through at the place where they get a closest to the pin. If they are closer than an existing mark, they pick it up and move it. If the distance is too close to measure, the first person was not beaten. It is prudent to personally keep track of distance in case someone else eventually claims to be closer. Keeping Legible Scorecards that Match, Ensures Correct Scoring and Counting of SCATS.  

Cards that are cluttered with miscellaneous personal notations with little or no attempt at neatness are hard to read. 

 SCATS          With that said, there were 14 SCATS:  2 each for Antczak, Andy Swanson, Ed Borillo,  Ed Hannan and Bill Finger. .    1 each for Jim Cummings, Michael Lazarchick, John Larson, Keith MacGregor 

SCORECARD

RESULTS

The city of Sorrento Italy gifted The Godfather several cases of  Dolceterra Lemoncello, highly regarded as one of the best drinks in the world. He gave everyone a taste when Ed Borillo was two strokes behind Marc Bohan in Gross Score at the turn  They held their glasses high and toasted to the Shrine in the entrance of the Italian Bistro,  “A Faint Glimmer of Hope,” honoring Ed’s incredible 2002 Championship Season. And here he was on this day, the eldest player on the tour, with the highest handicap, leading the field by a significant margin.

 At Le Petite Café,  Pierre was grumbling once again that Marc Bohan’s Handicap was too low. When the initial final scores were posted Pierre immediately shifted to outrage and made formal protest when he saw that  Marc, Andy and Bill were under review for probable disqualification for submitting non matching scorecards. Neither card was signed. One with Marc’s name spelled correctly, as opposed to the other which replaced the C with a K,  only had scores through the first 17 holes. The other had what appeared to be scores posted in the wrong boxes on holes 12 and 13. Technically, when scorecards do not match, the higher score is taken as the official final score. That rule would eliminate Marc’s possible Birdie on # 12 and closest to the pin for three points. Pierre argued that the Cards for Fran, Jim, Ed Hannan and Dave were also not signed and the Secretary was not at the tournament to accept and verify signatures! With the Promenade ablaze with chatter about Brain Fog and Chemo Fatigue, the Hofbräuhaus added support to an Incompetence Claim noting the incorrectly published name of William Tobias Finger. Of course, they were quick to add that President John Larson undoubtedly would have addressed the situation had the membership come to his Pre-Tournament meeting to start the season. 

In the Polish American Tavern, Stanislaw told Cashmir that Art Czachorowski, who was on the committee that formed the Ocean City Amateur Golf Association, and Marc’s father, also in that group, would have never turned in a card that was unsigned with numbers not matching. They were of course upset that Rich Antczak had not yet returned from the Arizona tour. With Art’s passing and Lazarchick diagnosed with debilitating stage 4 cancer, the Tavern had no representation. Anticipatory excitement exploded when it was announced Rich would  be back for The Vineyards.

The Norwegian Cruise line bar was also a glum place with Phil Stocker last minute injury and possibility of not being back for the next venue. Henrik did interject that Phil Stocker was still universally accepted as the best OCAGA President of all time. 

Michael O’Brian was in his seat at the Irish Pub, pumping blood with a pacemaker, not released to play by his doctor. He shook his head often watching phenom Jim Cummings, a Rookie of the Year, struggle  to keep his front score under 50. OB was surrounded by Patrons who were trying to sit as close to him as possible. When they groaned too much, OB reminded them with calming hand gesture and words that the tournament was far from over.

The Hofbräuhaus,  now featuring Larson and Finger,  in general, are now considered to have the strongest team. Lisbet, the new bartender has been encouraging everybody to lobby for John Larson as the best ever President. There has not been such early enthusiasm since Joe Champion took his leadership role. With Joe in the hunt, The Champion Club was also energized. Of course on opening day there was a large contingent of girl scouts outside. Stephanie’s quote, “Why would I do that?” is almost a mantra for the scouts, needing no explanation when it appears on a teashirt, except to the new younger women. When they join the troop they hear the story of Art Czachorowski complaining he did not like “to be out driven by a girl off the senior tees” and his questioning why they were allowed to play.in tournaments The quote of course was her response to the offer to play from the forward red tees. Joe was quick to to respond there was no rule saying Women were not allowed on the tour.

When the Investigative Reporter questioned President John Larson about the handicaps, other complaints and removing the Secretary, he quickly quelled all “discussions.” He said first of all that he had full confidence in his Secretary, who is clearly the best the association has ever had. And, this Association is about Having Fun and Being as Fair as Possible with a framework designed to give all players an opportunity to make money, not just the best players with the most skills. He concluded with our Secretary publishes everything he does and if anyone is against being Fair and Having Fun, they are welcome to look elsewhere!    

The Middleman Bar, the preferred hang out for entrepreneurs, was exceptionally lively with Fran Middleman’s entrance to the tour. With the same handicap as Andy Swanson and also playing from the regulation tees, he was not only edging out Andy for a top five finish, he was quite competitive with Champion, Cummings and Kissinger for second place. It was an exciting race.  All the veterans put on a finishing show. While Andy fell short, both Champion and Cummings were impressive and caught Middleman, finishing ahead by virtue of lower handicaps. Indeed, Jim dropped par on 6 of the last 7 holes igniting the Irish Pub, highlighting OB’s wisdom. Seeing the line and executing became very easy. He just started his charge a little too late. 

The Italian Bistro increasingly sent loud cheers out onto the Promenade. Dave Kissinger dropped three beautiful putts all for bogey over the last holes, just enough to squeeze out a second place victory. It was Eddie Borillo however that turned back the clock, shocking the field with a three stroke victory, with the lead over all 18 holes. His drives were not quite the distance he had during his prime, but formidable and in the fairways. His mid game was solid, chipping sweet and his putting elicited ever increasing crescendos of oohs and ahhs. Ed Borillo was simply magnificent on opening day.

It was hovering around 60 when they reached the tee box. After a late season charge that allowed him to come back to win the regular season,Michael Lazarchick was not comfortable. There was a cool breeze and he was a warm weather lover. Both John Larson and Dave Kissinger were feeling a slightly uneasy, Competition Anxiety. The favorite, Marc Bohan was focused,  in competition mode. Everybody hit the fairway but Lazarchick with his second shot  ricocheted off the goal post trees he had successfully navigated all season, into the woods.  John and Marc sunk par gaining strokes on Dave and Michael.

Marc took the second hole sending a dart towards the cup for an eventual tap in Birdie. Michael took the third with short play that yielded a Bogey. The fourth hole proved tricky to putt. Mark saved bogey, Dave doubled, John suffered to triple and LZ labored to a 9. On the par three Marc and John made the putt, Michael and Dave did not. On the par 5 Monster, both Dave and Marc struggled and found the water on the right side, while John needed to take an unplayable lie in the woods on the left. LZ blasted a shot down the middle and followed with his two wood, which rolled through the fairway under the rope into the rough. Feeling like he had to make up for all the strokes he had yielded thus far, he foolishly wound up hitting  behind his four plus wood into the water, rather than use an easy six iron to get in front of the green for a nice up and down. John finished the hole with a double a stroke better than Michael  Both Dave and Marc carded a 9. At the turn no one was happy with their score. Marc had shaved off 4 strokes from John, 6 strokes from Dave and was leading Lazarchick with a gross 43. LZ had managed to hit a season long high using 55 strokes to navigate the front, clearly showing fatigue and inability to maintain focus.

The back was two different matches. Lazarchick was 6 strokes behind Dave head to head, and giving him another 4 strokes, but Dave was still nursing a bad shoulder. They battled and Dave faltered more, letting in Michael for a tie on the last hole. John was 4 strokes up on Marc at the turn with handicap. By the thirteenth hole it was a one stroke difference. Marc dropped a beautiful putt while John struggle to a triple bogey. Once again, fans were feeling the tension as two of the best were fighting for the title. John sunk a saving long putt on the fourteenth while Marc missed a put that looked like it was going to drop. As has often been the case,  the Par 5 seventeenth hole proved to be the winner. Marc uncharacteristically missed a fairway swing, but still saved a par. John was pristine. He sunk a 12 foot Birdie Putt and that was just enough to retain his title. John Larson beat the best the league had to offer  to become the 2025 Champion. 

In the Two Person Scrambles, Jim Cummings and Phil Stocker took first place money. Wayne Flemming and Joe Champion tied with Bill Finger and Keith MacGregor for second place money.   

In the Polish American Tavern a rumor was spreading that Michael Lazarchick was undergoing testing for possible metastasized Prostate Cancer. Stanislaw saw an early copy of the newest additions to Michael’s Wellness Journey Story, what would be in print at the bottom of his Blog, dated March and April 2026. https://www.yananow.org/display_story.php?id=1287 

Centerton was not the Cow Pasture described in disdain by Bob Westcott when he refused the invitation to play. The air was a little heavy, but actually quite pleasant at tee time. There was some wind, but not enough to overly complicate club selection. The Greens were on the slow side compared to the other venues on the schedule, but clearly players adjusted fairly quickly. Indeed, over half the field would finish in the 70s or 80s and only 2 players reached above the low 90s.

In the Polish American Tavern they were very comfortable drinking Żywiec, the popular Polish pale lager, imported to honor The Doctor making the final four. Known for its crisp, light-bodied profile with floral/herbal hop notes and a balanced malt character, the beer follows the traditional Reinheitsgebot purity law, using natural ingredients like finest malted barley, choicest hops, and mountain spring water, resulting in a dry, refreshing finish. Art Czachorowski’s Picture is prominently displayed on the center wall over the bar. He won Five OCAGA Championships. Michael Lazarchick won a third in 2020 and Marc Bohan took his third in 2022. Art was the oldest to ever win the title until Mike O’Brien finally broke that record in 2023. Art first Shot his Age, actually 2 strokes under, winning Avelon in 2021. It is an understatement to say he is Legendary in the OCAGA annals.

In the Irish Pub OB was still out awaiting the result of a Cardioversion to shock his heart into a regular rhythm. Black & Tan (Harp & Guinness) was on Tap honoring him. The promo included Rookie of the Year candidate, Jim Cummings. The Pub was jam packed. There was considerable excitement as Jim opened with three pars taking the lead in a tight battle with Michael and Andy. All three focused in, as the other two continued to send great drives down the fairways. With no women playing and Richie Antczak back on the Arizona Tour, the girl scouts were following Andy Swanson, constantly swooning. He was hitting greens in regulation. His only double early was on the long par three from the white tees. His par putt was short, followed by a 360 not dropping in the cup. He was tied with Larson and Bohan after nine, spiking Swanson’s Health Food Stock. Jim was a stroke better on a much shorter course and LZ had the low gross after nine with a 37! Playing a much longer course, nearly 200 yards more on ten and eleven, Andy started the back six over par, while Jim and Michael played the holes one over. Otherwise they all were magnificent. Their collective energy sent chills through the air. Viewers were captivated, feeling the intensity, witnessing a competitive masterpiece of excellence. They played the fairways, executed the short game and sunk putts. Cummings finished with 12 pars. Lazarchick had 11 pars and a birdie. Jim carded a 79 for a second place finish. Michael shot two strokes below his age, 76 to win the tournament. Andy took fourth.

Pierre in Le Petite Cafe was complaining about Marc Bohan’s Handicap, again. He asked accounting student Nicolette to check indexes and average scores during the season. He was not happy that at the turn Marc was tied with Andy Swanson and John Larson, and behind Cummings and Lazarchick in Gross score. He thought 6 strokes was too much to give John, Jim and Michael and everybody else was getting even more. He told Nicolette he did not think anyone should play forward tees, especially “The Doctor.” She shook her head with a slightly confused gaze and responded with “Isn’t he like really, really old, half way through his 79th year? Marc just turned 60!” Before he answered she brought up the USGA Tee it Forward. Basically the object is to give the player a chance to score par and Lazarchick has proven he is no longer competitive from the “White” tees. She showed Pierre his lowest score, 82 in the 2022 Centerton Tournament. A week later when Marc needed a make up round, they played together from the white tees. Lazarchick added a dozen strokes to his game. Pierre huffed away. Meanwhile, the Cafe had Kronenbourg 1664 on special sent from Brasseries Kronenbourg Brewery to honor Marc as the most accomplished French Canadian Athlete. Chloé prepared mini tourtière using venison. The crowd became increasingly boisterous as the back unfolded. Marc dropped five straight pars. As always, his gallery was substantial. It was bedlam in the end when Nicolette announced, before the USGA even posted speculative results, Marc made the Final Four, cruising to a low gross 38 on the back, two over par! Once again he delivered a late season low score.

Kissinger was in the Final Four. Lazarchick would need to finish last while either John or Bill finished first and get 3 extra points for closest to pin. Clearly, the battle was for fourth place among John, Bill and Marc Bohan, who was only 2 points behind in 5th place. John and Marc were tied for gross score after 9. Bill, only 6 points higher in gross, had a significant lead with his handicap. They were all hypervigilant. Playing in the first foursome both John and Bill knew they had a better chance of beating the other, than beating Marc. Marc in the second foursome was exceptionally methodical. He took four strokes from John in the first four holes on the back, but the next five holes were a net tie. John carded a sweet 82, taking 3rd place. Unfortunately Bill, played the last four, nine over par. For the second consecutive year he missed the final four by a mere two strokes. Marc finished with a very impressive 78 and a trip to the Finals!

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

Final POINTS

173 Lazarchick, Michael
167 Kissinger, Dave
152 Larson, John
144 Bohan, Marc

142 Finger, Bill
136 Swanson, Andy
131 Champion, Joe
107 Cummings, Jim
101 Borillo, Ed
91 Hannan, Eddie
89 Cummings, Sue
83 Fleming, Wayne
70 Middleman, Fran
45 Finger, Ruthann
44 Stocker, Phil

Championship Final Four

Pinelands October 17th FRIDAY

11:21

All others will play for Prize Money in a 2 Person Team Scramble, Paired by Handicaps

Final Four Handicaps & Teams

The greens were fast and in beautiful condition among the best the Tour has played this season. The fairways were decent. The rough was filled with crabgrass. Fortunately it was cut low. The air was heavy, damp with occasional light misty rain, and chilly. The course was long, even from the most forward Gold Tees. Only the powerful big hitters were able to hit for distances. Indeed, the “Old Guy,” as a threesome, all playing together for the first time, used 306 strokes to transverse the course. Getting on in regulation was rare. Focus and concentration was difficult. Going up two or three clubs was common. Half the field would hit 100 or more, six finished between 97 and 99, and only one player was able to get close to breaking 90. It was a very difficulty day. No one said “I can’t wait to play this course again.”

Larson and Lazarchick, Fleming and Ruthann Finger, Jim and Sue Cummings entered a battle to not finish last among regular players. The Girl Scouts were protesting the absence of forward Red Tees. They waved makeshift signs claiming unfair for Ruthann and Sue. Sue had not posted scores in the low nineties since August. Her 97 yielded a tie for 8th place with her husband. With the same net score score Ruthann would claim 10th place reaching her highest score of the season. Wayne Flemming totally melted down, exuding frustration, missing normally easy shots. They all beat Larson and Lazarchick, sporting handicaps among the lowest. Wayne 11th, John 12th and Lazarchick 13th only finished ahead of newcomer Joe Bradley totally overwhelmed in his first encounter with the OCAGA Tour.

Peroni Brewery, founded by Francesco Peroni in Vigevano, Italy, in 1846, sent the Italian Bistro kegs of their delicate pale lager. Brewed with Italian maize and noble hops, it has a subtle hint of citrus zest and a floral aroma. Young Mirabella, a fresh graduate of the Italian Culinary Institute, prepared an incredible artistic Aperitif of savory snacks: olives, nuts, cheese boards, pastured charcuterie, crudités with hummus dips, bruschetta, avocado tartines, mini pizzas and marinated vegetables. When Dave Kissinger turned the corner with the gross lead, the Godfather told Bruno to buy a round for the house. To honor Ed Borillo, leading against LZ and Wayne and challenging the big guns again, all Mirabella “snacks” became compliments of the house.

The Big Guns, Champion, Finger, Swanson and Middleman were all driving with authority. In the Irish Pub OB was sharing wisdom. Especially as Eddie Hannan was challenging for a top five finish and taking Closest to the Pin on number four, he felt it was appropriate to talk about the source of his surname Ó hAnnáin. There was a long line of patrons in line to buy OB a Smithwick Red Ale on special this tournament. Eddie’s 7th place finish was encouraging. Jim and Sue Cummings were a formidable pair, boding well for the future. The Champions Club was packed with optimistic believers with Joe less than twenty points from the Final Four. They remember last season’s dramatic finish, making the finals by virtue of the Closest to the Pin 3 Points. They adored his clutch performance ability. He finished just one stroke out of fourth place in a very respectable 6th place.

The Hofbräuhaus was fully enjoying their belief of being the most powerful on the Promenade. John Larson is the reigning champion and elicited roaring cheers taking Closest to the Pin on eight and then again on twelve. While it was otherwise his worst finish of the season, they knew the next tournament would be Centerton where he posted a 75 last season. Bill Finger on the other hand was blasting drives in play, in a titanic battle with Andy Swanson and Fran Middleman. He would tie Andy who took 4th to his 5th by virtue of lower handicap. Bill soared up to catch the falling John Larson, now tied in the race for the final four, a few stroke above Marc Bohan with one tournament left before the finals. Swanson health foods did spike up and the Girl Scouts were clearly overwhelmed with the display of power. Fran middleman elicited reverberant echoes of continual chants, “Rookie of the Year,” throughout the Haus, as he displayed an exquisite second place finish.

The Bistro was was in a symphonic orgy of musical cheers, food, and drink. Ed Borillo split the middle of the young bombers, finishing one stroke more than Fran to capture 3rd. When Ed does well the Chant “Small Glimmer of Hope” cascades out the doors and mugs of Peroni Nastro Azzurro are raised high into the air. On this day, the Godfather was drinking a Campari Negroni Cocktail, completely relishing the play of Dave Kissinger. Dave electrified the fan base with a Birdie on the second hole and low gross of 45 at the turn. His drives with authority and a draw were nicely cutting the fairways. While he did struggle on the back nine par fives letting a few players have some hope, otherwise he was solid. When he dropped his second Birdie on sixteen the door was slammed shut. He cruised to a four stroke win. Fiorella, the Bistro bookkeeper, calculated quickly, and informed everyone the Dave had taken over first place for the season. The Godfather smiled. Kissinger was in the Final Four.

Points Player
150 Kissinger, Dave
148 Lazarchick, Michael
131 Finger, Bill
131 Larson, John
129 Bohan, Marc
118 Champion, Joe
117 Swanson, Andy
101 Borillo, Ed
89 Cummings, Sue
81 Cummings, Jim
71 Flemming,Wayne
56 Middleman, Fran
45 Finger, Ruthann
44 Stocker, Phil*
29 Hannan, Eddie
7 Bradley, Joe

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

NEXT CENTERTON

WEDNESDAY

September 24th 9:58 First T Time

It was raining on the way to the golf course. The evening before, President Larson told the Secretary to message everyone with the T Time and ask for them to arrive at least one half hour earlier. Decision to play would be at the course. He wanted to avoid paying for no shows. Bill Finger had negotiated a reasonable rate $78 for seniors over 60.

The tour players were impressed with RiverWinds. It looked beautiful and in excellent condition, albeit on this day, wet with heavy moisture in the air. Those without Nordic Blood felt a chill. The tournament started on the back 9 with a formidable par five hole. Only Marc Bohan had the distance and accuracy to card a par. Indeed the other fourteen players played 28 over par, the average at double bogey. The next three holes only Sue Cummings and Bob Wescott were able to each drop one par, both on # 13. Drives did not roll with any distance in the fairways. Putts too often did not reach holes or turned away when they slowed down quickly on moist greens.

The Girl Scouts were thrilled to be following Sue and Ruthann. They were proving to be quite competitive with the men on the Tour. Sue was battling Michael Lazarchick and John Larson for low gross. She played the last four holes one over. Her handicap is the same as John’s and lower than Michael’s! LZ Birdied sixteen, even par. John Birdied seventeen, also even par. Michael’s 43 was low gross by one at the turn, to the 44 of John and Sue. Marc was another stroke back. at 45. Bob Wescott, Dave Kissinger, Keith MacGregor, Joe Champion and Bill Finger broke 50. Everybody was adjusting to the conditions and the rising temperature was bringing off jackets. Bob made a Sandy on twelve after a beautiful sand shot landed less than four feet from the cup. Dave Kissinger was Closest to the Pin on fifteen. Mark Bohan beat Lazarchick by two inched to take Closest to the Pin on seventeen, the signature hole, from an elevated tee down to an island green. In Le Petite Café Pierre explained how important were the 3 points given for CTP on the shortest par three from the White Tees. At this part of the season, every point matters towards getting into the Final Four.

The Babbity Bowser Scottish Pub was experiencing an emotional roller coaster. Keith Macgregor open the last nine holes with a triple on a difficult par five, then Birdied two of the next three holes. The Macdonald betting group had a double parley, with substantial odds, that Keith would win at least two SCATS and make the Top Five. It would be a Big Payday. Sue, Ruthann, Phil Stocker and Ed Borillo were playing the forward tees without much advantage over the “Senior Tees” and Marc Bohan was out driving them consistently from the White Tees. However, they all got enough strokes to squeeze by Marc. While he did snag another Closest to the Pin on Seven for a profit in SCATS, Sue finished one stoke lower in 10th place. The Godfather was pleased that Dave Kissinger played well enough to stay in second place overall for the season, a step closer to making the final four. He finished 8th with a lower handicap than Phil Stocker. Phil was performing putting magic energizing the Stockertown crowd. Ruthann took 7th in a tie with Ed Borillo 6th, Keith Macgregor 5th and Bob Wescott 4th. Albie and Archie in the English Pub were loudly voicing their approval in a fairly euphoric atmosphere, with an occasional quip about Ruthann not getting tie points because she has the highest handicap. In the Polish American Tavern, Kazimierz told Stanislaw that the Doctor was getting tired. Indeed, LZ lost five stroke to John Larson in the last five holes, including missing a four foot par on the final hole, to finish 3rd. With Lazarchick leading the Tour this season, Agnieszka wanted a picture of his clubs for a shrine he was finally getting. Joe and Keith photo bombed their way into the picture with twin outfits!

The Hofbräuhaus was in sheer ecstasy. Yes, they loved watching John fly by Lazarchick to secure 2nd place and climb the ladder towards the Final Four. The Big Story however, was the continual chanting The Hammer William Tiberius Finger lead by Young Elke. She was jumping on the Bar splashing Weihenstephaner , imported to honor Bill’s recognition by the National Toy Hall of Fame. Bill is a world class Artistic Woodworker. The National Children’s Toy Museum now considers Bill’s handmade Rocking Horse for his Grandson to be the epitome of beauty, durability and classic design. They were serving Obazda, a Bavarian Cheese Spread, with newly introduced jumbo “Finger Pretzels.”

The Hammer was driving with authority. Confidence grew with each passing hole. He was sending out rockets, following with fairway shots that were reaching the greens in regulation. This was the Bill Finger that knocked off Lazarchick and the other high seeds to take the Pinelands Monday League Championship a couple of years back, before they instituted partners. The Bill Finger that is now breaking into the lower 40s on Monday and Tuesday in evening leagues. He was putting for Birdie and Par and did sink four for the latter. He had tap in bogeys. He finished the first nine with double pars and the last nine with a par and four bogeys. Young Elke, studying to be a statistician, proclaimed that her hero was knocking on Final Four Door. The excitement was electric. It was joyful madness, sheer opulent jubilation pumping out into the Promenade. He would win by three strokes.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

POINTS AFTER THE WINDS ***** It is highly unlikely that Lazarchick will not be in the Finals. Kissinger and Larson have significant number with the season drawing down to a close. Marc Bohan will not go down easily and could easily move up. Bill Finger is on the doorstep looking in. He will need a significant points, with those above faltering, to get through the door.

140 Lazarchick,Michael
125 Kissinger, Dave
122 Larson, John
119 Bohan, Marc

114 Finger, Bill
103 Champion, Joe
98 Swanson, Andy
97 Finger, Ruthann
89 MacGregor, Keith
80 Borillo, Ed
76 Cummings, Jim
64 Hannan, Eddie
61 Fleming, Wayne
51 Wescott, Bob
48 Swanson, Dan
45 Stocker, Phil
33 Middleman, Fran
31 Cummings, Sue

NEXT*****WEDGEWOOD*****Tentatively
SEPTEMBER 10th
T Time 10 am

It was warm, but overcast with a gentle breeze, actually a very pleasant day for golf. It was the first time OCAGA would play Pitman. We heard a “new” groundskeeper put down fertilizer. The normally pristine greens showed burn marks. For some the visual made putting more difficult and the speed of the ball did seem to change. In the Irish Pub OB was telling the young people that Jim Cummings was on the tract where he learned to play golf, describes it as a target course, clearly easier with local knowledge. OB continued, if you are ever with him on the 15th hole, he will show you exactly from where he hit his double eagle in 2005. Also known as an albatross or three under par, they are very rare, maybe a few hundred a year within all golf played. At that time he was competing in the men’s association league. A significant number surrounded OB. They saw Jim announce he was playing from the white tees because the course was so short. OB pointed out how the Secretary looked at President Larson who gave a slight affirmative nod of the head. Then LZ proceeded to tell everybody, all would play from the white tees. In the Hofbräuhaus Young Elke was praising John Larson’s innovative Presidency. When no one hit the 185 yard first par three however, OB chuckled and remarked they may be having second thoughts.

Andy Swanson always plays the white tees. He was comfortable and found the course very manageable. He immediately grabbed attention and significant swoons from the girl scouts. With mostly bogeys and three pars he placed a low gross 42 on the front nine. Swanson Wellness Products spiked continually on the stock market.

The “Haus,” now considered the strongest establishment on the Promenade, was jumping with delight. Young Elke describes John as gentle and sweet, William Tiberius as strong willed and powerful, Ruthann as Chic and Coquettish, and Fran Middleman as very kind and respectful. Both Fingers were in early contention keeping up with John Larson. Fran Middleman has quickly become a fan favorite, eliciting sincere joy from fans with good swings and an equal amount of empathetic frustration when he is not quite on target. Every time Bill sent out a rocket, in unison the crowd chanted, The Hammer! Ruthann was quick to siphon off a significant numbers of scouts from Andy.

The Leaderboard showed Dave Kissinger, Jim Cummings and Michael Lazarchick also on John Larson’s heals. The Broadcasters talked about John not being as dominant as he was in 2024. With the higher handicap, Dave had a slight lead moving towards the turn. Lazarchick’s birdie on five was sweet. With a beautiful swing Jim Cumming took closest to the pin on number eight.

Albie and Archie in the English Pub were disgruntled at the White Tee decision, Their discussion was about how competitive this season Bob Wescott has been from the Senior Tees. They were very loudly voicing complaints in a fairly somber atmosphere. The crowd was in agreement that he’s as old as Lazarchick, normally just as straight, but does not quite have the same distance off the tee. All but the last par five and all the long par fours were problematic. With considerably higher handicaps and less loss of muscle mass, Eddie Hannan, Dan Swanson and Fran Middleman all beat him in net score. They finished 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. Barmaid Olivia interrupted the Al and Arch complaining, in a chastising misogyny suggesting tone. She said Ruthann who is playing great, has a maiden name Allchin with a family crest dating back to the Anglo Saxon village of Alchorne. They sheepishly apologized and bought the bar a round of Newcastle English Brown Ale.

The crowd at the Champions Club watched Joe putt quite well on the tattered greens and while he did get Closest to the Pin on 18, he did not get “his normal” big SCATS bundle. He finished 8th. While John and Jim were fairly consistent with no big numbers, Michael and Dave had more of a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde round. On fifteen Lazarchick pounded a Monster Drive and Jim walked him over to the Double Eagle Launch Site. Perhaps inspired, LZ hit his two wood just short of the Green. Next he landed six feet from the hole with a fifty foot pitch. Yup, he drained a center cup birdie sending an energy wave throughout the Polish American Tavern. He finished 7th a stroke behind Jim Cummings and two behind John Larson.

Ruthann, Bill and Dave were in a Battle Royale down the final stretch, But, fighting for second place. When Andy took Closest to the Pin and Birdied fourteen it seemed pretty unlikely he would be caught. On the 9th Hole, Bill Finger launched a rocket down the middle, with a draw, directly towards the Cummings identified Willow Tree Target. It was a Shot of the Day taking the little brook protecting the green, out of play. While others lost water strokes, Bill was easily on in two with a short iron. The Italian Bistro and close by Haus, were equally quiet, with patrons holding their breath, on pins and needles. Empathetically playing every stroke with the tour players, with an undercurrant of guarded excitement, nervousness prevailed. Dave picked up 3 strokes on Ruthann and two strokes on Bill on fifteen and sixteen. Tensions soared! On seventeen Bill got a stroke back to take the lead. Ruthann sunk a Nasty Par coming back into a tie with Dave, both one off the pace. Fans wiggled on the edge of their seats! Bill struggled to a double finish while Ruthann and Dave dropped Bogey. They tied. It was Dave 2nd, Ruthann 3rd and Bill 4th, based on handicap.

The Scandinavian Bar patrons, emboldened by a wide selection of imported Einstok Icelandic Beer , were ballistic with joy. Bjorn stood with Beer held high and recounted Richie Antczak’s description of Andy on his way to the 2019 Championship, “Like a Hurricane building strength as it heads towards the east coast, quite the golfing force!” Other than a double on the first hole and one on the eighteenth when it was over, he played bogey golf or better. He would win by 3 Strokes with the low gross 85.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

RACE TO FINAL FOUR

119 Lazarchick,Michael
112 Kissinger, Dave
106 Bohan, Marc
99 Larson, John
98 Swanson, Andy
94 Champion, Joe
89 Finger, Bill
83 Finger, Ruthann
72 MacGregor, Keith
70 Cummings, Jim
65 Borillo, Ed
56 Hannan, Eddie
54 Fleming, Wayne
48 Swanson, Dan
44 Antczak, Rich
33 Stocker, Phil
33 Middleman, Fran
20 Cummings, Sue

NEXT

WEDNESDAY *****AUGUST 20*****10:10 First T Time

ARRIVE 1/2 HOUR BEFORE T TIME

RIVERWINDS

270 Eagle Point Rd, West Deptford, NJ 08086